Google Nexus 7 Gets Tablet-Friendly Linux OS, Courtesy Of Bodhi

Bodhi Linux developer Jeff Hoogland has launched a new tool that allows Nexus 7 users to install the Bodhi Linux OS on their Google slates.

The new tool means that Ubuntu is no longer the only Linux-based operating system that can run on the popular Google Nexus 7 tablet. To offer this tool, Hoogland basically piggybacked on Canonica's work with Ubuntu, and Nexus 7 owners can now install Bodhi on their tablets.

Bodhi Linux packs a light-weight Enlightenment Desktop which provides a touch screen-friendly user interface (UI) for tablets, among several other features.

"Installing Bodhi on the Nexus 7 follows the same process as installing Ubuntu on the device," wrote Hoogland. "I don't have an automated installer finished just yet so you will need to install the Bodhi images using a manual install process."

For now, the Bodhi Linux operating system for the Google Nexus 7 slate is still a work in progress. At this point, the touch screen and user interface are working, but the audio is still not fully functional yet.

"The touchscreen and wireless work OOTB and the interface runs smoothly on the device. I haven't had time to try and make audio work fully yet - but I have gotten some noise to come out of the speakers," explained the developer.

The Bodhi Linux operating system includes a touch-friendly app launcher, an Android-like home screen that allows users to arrange app icons, and toolbars both at the top and bottom of the screen. The OS also has an on-screen keyboard. On the other hand, one difference from the Android platform is that Bodhi Linux runs desktop-style apps in resizable windows.

As previously mentioned, installing Bodhi Linux on the Nexus 7 follows the same process as installing Ubuntu on the slate, and it involves a manual installation process. Check out Hoogland's blog post for more information and step by step instructions on how to install the OS, as well as a video of the OS in action.

Hoogland also offers Bodhi Linux builds for other ARM-based devices, including the Samsung Chromebook, the Raspberry Pi mini PC, and the Genesi Smartbook.